When Andrew Ajao MBA’24 and Radhika Kasera MBA’24 enrolled at Babson College, they both wanted to impact the school’s culture and sought the opportunity to make a real difference.
Ajao, who is originally from Nigeria, wanted to create an opportunity to support other Black students, share experiences and network, and he says he is personally committed to supporting, mentoring and advocating for inclusion and growth on campus.
Casella shares a similar commitment to helping her community, but her goal is even more specific: to help at least five women achieve goals related to their entrepreneurial journeys while in school.
It’s no surprise that both of these students were attracted to roles at the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL).
Ajao served as a research assistant supporting the Diana International Research Institute (DIRI), where he helped advance the institute’s efforts and bring to fruition the Diana International Research Conference. Kasera served as the project manager for F&E CWEL’s Innovative Learners Program, coordinating mentorship opportunities and connecting students with top industry professionals.
Andrew Ajao MBA’24
Ajao began working at F&E CWEL in November 2022, just a few months after coming to Babson. Prior to starting the MBA program, Ajao spent several years working in the finance industry both in his native Nigeria and in the Boston area, focusing on small and medium-sized businesses. This experience gave him a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges facing entrepreneurs, making him a valuable asset to F&E CWEL.
“I’ve seen the power of providing opportunity to underrepresented groups,” Ajao said, “Whether it’s helping raise capital to start a small business or providing mentorship to students trying to find their place on campus, that support and access can be transformative for people and their communities.”
During her time at F&E CWEL, Ajao helped coordinate a monthly researcher roundtable program that brought together researchers from around the world to discuss and offer support to women entrepreneurs on issues they face. This experience gave Ajao a deeper understanding of the power of mentorship and community, and prompted her to seek out opportunities to create her own community.
At Babson, he was actively involved in networking. For Black students, I organized social events for Black students and alumni, creating spaces to share experiences and build networks. I also assisted students in the admissions process, recruiting and mentoring new students through the admissions process and helping them adjust to their new lives in Boston and at Babson. Back home in Nigeria, I created a mentorship program for middle school students.
Radhika Casella MBA’24
In her role at F&E CWEL, Casella supported and fostered efforts to develop female leaders. Her role included supporting the Women Innovating Now (WIN) Lab® accelerator for female entrepreneurs and supporting a mentorship program that connects students with top industry professionals, which she expanded to include opportunities for graduate students.
“As a graduate assistant, I have been the ears and eyes for graduate students at F&E CWEL,” Casella said, “and have collected student feedback for my office to help improve their experience.”
Last semester, Casella led the revival of the Babson Women Connect Conference, which was last held in 2019. Casella revamped the entire marketing strategy for the conference, which resulted in a larger-than-usual audience.
She and her team also coordinated “speed dating” style networking sessions in collaboration between F&E CWEL and the Babson College Women’s Business Graduate Club, where Casella served as president. Club members work to build community and create a platform where women leaders can feel safe and supported at Babson and beyond. Earlier this year, Casella was the face of the club at the Enterprising Women’s Conference in Orlando, Fla., where she led a session called “Harnessing Your Superpowers: Empowering Women Entrepreneurial Leaders.”
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